Tuesday, June 20, 2017

A cross-dresser, Ennis Willoughby, is in need of both a new
kidney and a new heart. His hope of a double transplant is in the hands of his
nephrology doctor, Cullen Brodie.

The two organs suddenly became available through the tragic
death of a woman who, coincidentally, had worked in the very medical center
where Brodie works. In spite of Willoughby’s age (in his sixties), the doctor
ensures that his patient is the recipient of these vital organs. Everything
seems to go well until an odd phenomenon occurs.

Ennis tells Brodie as well as his psychiatrist, Becky, that
he knows who his donor was, he is convinced her name is Carla, and even odder
is that he suddenly experiences new tastes that no doubt came from her. He
feels he has received Carla’s soul as well as her organs.

In spite of things that Ennis suddenly knows and feels that
cannot be explained, the two doctors resist his theory.

Meanwhile, Brodie has his own demons to fight. An untimely
death and a broken-up relationship with the love of his life make for a heavy
past which forever lurks in the background. Unable to come to grips with what
happened, it is easy to just become a staunch atheist living as you please. God cannot logically exist, it’s as simple
as that! But underneath this belief system, there is deep pain – pain he
drowns in promiscuity and large living.

Carefully crafted narrative weaves in scenes from Brodie’s
past as well as Willoughby’s. Several other key characters are brought in,
adding to the story’s complexity and brilliance. Unexpected twists and turns
keep the reader riveted.

Barager, who is himself a nephrologist practicing in
Southern California, employs a rich vocabulary, subtle imagery and a stunning
knowledge of culture, including the arts, overseas societies and much more.

However, as well as a rich vocabulary, the author does not
spare us from sexually charged content and crude language—all of which serve to
paint an authentic picture of the characters. Thus, the book would not be
classified as “Christian” per se, and would not be a good fit for everyone.

The Atheist and The Parrotfish (Evolved Publishing, May 2017) is a fascinating,
well-written read. A page-turner rom the get-go.

For more information, please
visit www.richardbarager.com and connect with him on Facebook,LinkedIn and Goodreads.

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About Me

Author, Freelance Writer & Speaker (www.JaneyDeMeo.com), Founder & Director of Orphans First (www.orphansfirst.org).
I'm British & speak fluent French & poco Italiano. I spent 22 years in France where my husband, Louis, and I planted several churches, a Theological Institute, a Christian Day School -- and where our kids were born--all by God's grace. I'm founding director of ORPHANS FIRST, a non-profit ministry helping needy children worldwide - www.orphansfirst.org
I'm also a freelance writer and author of several books including: "Heaven Help Me Raise These Children!" - Biblical Answers to Practical Parenting Issues. I am a Christian and a free-thinker (I think), a pastor's wife, mother, women's teacher...
My heart breaks every day for the suffering children (& animals) of the world. That's why I founded Orphans First.